Volunteer in Sri Lanka

Experience life in vibrant Sri Lanka while supporting disadvantaged local communities

Volunteer in Sri Lanka with Projects Abroad and support development through ongoing efforts in disadvantaged communities. We have a wide range of options available, so you’re sure to find something that interests you.

You can teach computer skills to children and young adults, or help provide basic medical services through our public health work .You can also support the educational development of young children, encouraging them to learn new skills.

We do volunteer work in Sri Lanka in several towns in and around Colombo, and along the west coast. You’ll immerse yourself in the Sri Lankan culture, living and working with the friendly local community. During your time abroad, you’ll receive 24/7 support from Projects Abroad staff.

Sri Lanka is home to some incredible natural and cultural wonders. Whether you’re interested in seeing diverse wildlife, trekking through lush greenery, or visiting historic temples in your free time, Sri Lanka has it all!

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Gishan Perera

Country Director

Gishan became part of the Sri Lankan team in May 2006. Before he joined Projects Abroad, he gained experience in many different fields, such as IT, Agriculture and Travel and Tourism. Gishan took over as the Country Director for Sri Lanka in October 2013, he is a very enthusiastic person who enjoys sharing his knowledge of the Sri Lankan way of life.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Aruni Jayawardane

Teaching & Care Supervisor

Aruni, a Sri Lankan who is Zambian-born, joined the Projects Abroad team in 2012. Aruni works closely with all Teaching and Care volunteers. She helps with providing useful resources to support the Care & Teaching Management Plans, giving a focus to volunteers' contributions at their placements. She is involved in the planning of the High School Specials and other two-week group trips each year. Aruni spends her leisure time exploring and rediscovering Sri Lanka.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Rasmi Ahamed

Assistant Accountant

Rasmi is from a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka called Arugambay. He studied accounting at the Mercury Institute of Management and joined Projects Abroad in September 2014. Rasmi is a keen sportsman and he often plays cricket for his district. His favourite sports are cricket and football.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Amir Jurangpathy

Volunteer Coordinator

Amir is of Indonesian descent, and was born and raised in Sri Lanka. He joined Projects Abroad in June 2016 and is passionate about the welfare of people. Amir is an aspiring chef and enjoys playing cricket and practicing Muay Thai in his spare time.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Johann Rebeira

Volunteer Coordinator

Johann was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka and studied a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and mass communication. He joined Projects Abroad in June 2015 after having previously worked for another NGO and humanitarian organisation. Johann is a foodie and is passionate about travel, blogging and photography. During his free time you will find him singing, playing the piano, swimming, attending musical theatre or watching a good game of rugby.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Mohamed Niyas

Volunteer Coordinator

Mohamed was born in Hambantota on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Before joining Projects Abroad in June 2016, he worked for the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Mohamed enjoys photography, playing volleyball and painting in his spare time.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Dinusha Thirimanna

Medical Supervisor

Dinusha studied IT and project management at Ananda College in Sri Lanka. He joined Projects Abroad in the summer of 2015 after having previously worked at a financial services company. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling around Sri Lanka, spending time with friends, swimming, and playing pool and cricket.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Yunara Satharasasinghe

Volunteer Coordinator

Yunara studied psychology and counselling through the National University of Ireland, and human resource management at the Institute of Personnel Management in Sri Lanka. She is passionate about drama and theatre, and trained professionally at the Shakespeare Centre in Sri Lanka. Yunara joined Projects Abroad in September 2016 and enjoys working with volunteers from all over the world.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Anu Rajapakse

Project Supervisor

Anu graduated with a postgraduate diploma in IT and human rights. She joined Projects Abroad in June 2011 and enjoys interacting with and helping the volunteers. Anu is a creative and energetic person who enjoys a good challenge.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Christelle Beauviche-Shoulder

Volunteer Advisor

Christelle joined Projects Abroad as a Volunteer Advisor in September 2013. Previously, she enjoyed teaching French to children and worked for many years as a Personal Assistant. She studied English Literature and Languages at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Christelle is from France but has also lived in England and in the United States. In her free time, she likes spending time with her family, painting, dancing and hiking.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Gabriela Estrada

Volunteer Advisor

Gabriela was born in Guadalajara, she has a degree in Foreign Languages. She has worked as an English teacher and translator for several years and she joined the Projects Abroad team in 2016. She loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, going to concerts and cultural events. Gabriela has had the opportunity to travel through South America and Western Europe.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Thami Bhakana

Volunteer Advisor

Thami was born in Worcester but has lived in Cape Town for most of her life. She has a degree in tourism management and previously spent time volunteering with disabled children at a home before joining Projects Abroad in February 2016. She loves to explore new places and was grateful that her first trip overseas was the Philippines, one of the world’s most welcoming countries. When travelling, she recommends that everyone go with an open mind and a willingness to embrace their new environment. In her free time, Thami enjoys reading motivational books or novels, watching movies and listening to music.

SAFETY AND STAFF SUPPORT

Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.

Where we are based in Sri Lanka

Colombo

Colombo is a bustling hub of tourism and commercial activities, and the biggest city in Sri Lanka. With a mix of both the traditional and the modern, you’re sure to have a fascinating time exploring all the city has to offer. Visit ancient temples, sample the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants, and pick up some unique souvenirs at street stalls.

Panadura

Panadura is a large town situated south of Colombo, and is surrounded by water on all sides. It’s a great base from which you can go on day-trips to explore surrounding towns and visit nature reserves.

Galle

Galle is a major city located all the way on the south-western tip of the country. The old city fortress, with an amazing mix of architectural styles, is a designated UNESCO heritage site. Spend time exploring the streets of the old and new town, or venture further afield for some adventures in nature.

AIRPORT PICKUP, FLIGHTS AND VISAS

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our Sri Lanka Arrival Procedures page.